Facebook event invite alludes to something new on Android

Could it be a new app, a new operating system, or better yet: a new phone?

Facebook sent out invitations this evening inviting the media to see its "new home on Android” on April 4. The social networking giant has already announced several new features this year—most notably, Graph Search and a revamped News Feed—but it looks like this particular event will focus specifically on Android—TechCrunch speculates that it might even include an altered version of Android.

According to its sources, TechCrunch says that Facebook may launch an altered version of Android running on an HTC handset. It wouldn't include an overall re-write of the core Android operating system; instead, it would act much like the user interface “skins” that companies like Samsung and LG overlay on their Android devices. It may also act as an “application” layer that integrates native applications like Messenger into the phone. Other rumors point to the idea behind “Facebook Home,” which would essentially be a heavily skinned Home screen.

Rumors are just rumors until proven true, but other tiny details suggest there might be some truth to the rumor after all. 9to5Google has reported that Facebook and HTC have been in cahoots over an advertising campaign, which backs up the report that AllThingsD published two years ago about Facebook building a phone with HTC. We’re also aware that Facebook has had much success digging deep into Android’s core framework during development of its mobile app.

One thing is for sure: we’ll be at the event on Thursday, April 4 to inform you of what Facebook eventually does announce, so stay tuned.

Florence Ion / Florence was a former Reviews Editor at Ars, with a focus on Android, gadgets, and essential gear. She received a degree in journalism from San Francisco State University and lives in the Bay Area.